Iran's neighbors to the west are having a much better public relations go of it at the Olympics. Remarkably, Iraq's soccer team defeated Portugal--a powerhouse squad--and Costa Rica to advance to round two. So great was the enthusiasm that numerous spectators stormed the field after each Iraq goal versus Costa Rica, with one fan draping the Iraqi flag on the opposition's goal. Might their success at the Olympic Games help turn things around in Iraq?

Don't underestimate the power of sport to rally a nation. In 1980, America was emerging from a decade of defeat in Vietnam, stagflation, Watergate, and humiliation at the hands of Iranian kidnappers. The moment when things turned around wasn't Reagan's election or when the economy starting picking up steam in late '82. It was the rag-tag Team USA's hockey victory over the Soviet Union at the Winter Olympics, and their subsequent win in the gold-medal game over Finland. Let's hope that by seeing their nation's success in Athens, everyday Iraqis will rally to make their nation a better place. Certainly the on-field success can't hurt.

Iraqi's love two things...spite and revenge!
They win and play hard to spite Saddam, Uday and Qusay Hussein! They will achieve there ultimate revenge with a gold medal! Sorry they love three things.......spite, revenge and Richard Grieco. They also play hard for Richard Grieco!!!!!